Henry Charles W School

I strongly believe that CW henry is highly over rated. My child is in the kindergarden classroom and I do a better job teaching my child at home. Also there is a lack of communication with principle and employees in the main office tend to be very rude and unprofessional at times. School can also use help with maintenance.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Henry! It's a huge leap of faith sending your kid to a Philly public school these days, so glad we did. My daughter is happy, her teachers are great and always available, the new principal is aggresively pushing academic standards higher, keeping the arts a big focus, raising the bar on safety and seems on the ball. Smartboards in the classroom, music, art, computers and gym every week (starting at K), band, musicals, after school clubs, field trips, G & T, Autistic Support and everything in between, organic garden that the students work in, rad programs like Playworks, tons of parent involvment and a super PTA, diversity in race, religion and types of families. Not saying all is perfect: the building is older, I'm sure we will go through a year with a teacher we don't like (everyone goes through this folks), and my fingers are double crossed that Principal Rogers kicks the PSSAs from good to the best (ie: Meredith). Though it is a top 10 feeder for Masterman! Go to a PTA or Knowing Henry meeting and take a school tour. That's what we did. It blows my mind that people will move out of the neighborhood or turn to private school rather than just tour this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my kids are having a good experience. My husband and I are very glad we have our neighborhood public school a chance despite what's been happening at the district level.
—Submitted by a parent

Henry WAS a good school and over the last 6 years or so, it has gone down. Many parents left discussed as well as teachers. The children are picked on by the staff, they staff is unprofessional. Its the shadow of the leader --- and she is gone. Hopefully under the new leadership it could raise again. I hope so for our children sake and our future adults.
—Submitted by a parent

Horrible. I have a daughter in second grade and its been a complete waste of school year. As a responsible parent I understand that the teacher can not do all of the work. Parents must supplement and provide additional work to help your child stay ahead in class. However, with the teacher my daughter has we are doing all of the work(basically homeschooling). We have been in school almost a year and we have NEVER received a test result from the teacher. She received all A's on her report card but the teacher is unable to provide evidence of the grades. We've met with principal and teacher and we still obtain any communication from the teacher. Very unprofessional and sad situation. Just of the many kids that don't have parents providing extra work or in this case work period how behind and lost they will be in the up coming years of their education. Not sure about the other grade teachers but this particular second grade teacher and principal have not provided any form of communication. I do not recommend for second grade.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a son at Henry (as well as a daughter) and we've been very happy with how he's been treated and how behavior issues are handled. There was an incident early in the year involving my son and another boy fighting on the playground, and the teacher and principal handled the situation calmly, professionally, and to everyone's satisfaction (including both sets of parents). Additionally, we've been very pleased with the academics, creative offerings, staff, and parent involvement at the school.
—Submitted by a parent

The majority of the good reviews on here are about someone with a daughter. Well, I have a son, and I think that the boys are treated differently because they do not act like girls. Boys play more and are more rambunctious. This is a predominately black school in a predominately white neighborhood. Most of the white people that live in that neighborhood send their kids to private school. All of my son's teachers are white. I say all of this to mean that the culture between the teachers and the students is much different. Because of that cultural difference most of the teachers do not have good class management. If a student sticks out to them that child is labeled as a bad student or a student in crisis. The teaching skills are antiquated because most of the teachers have been there for many years and rely on old tricks instead of trying new things that might interest today's students. Overall if your child is a follower and will listen every time an instruction is given your child could be successful at here. On the other hand if your child is a leader or follows the beat of his own drum you may want to invest in private school.
—Submitted by a parent

C.W.Henry is a school where teachers, administration and the community work together to help students achieve. My sons are learning and enjoying their experiences at Henry.
—Submitted by a parent

Henry school is a safe school compared to other schools in the city. There is a biase that exist that has to do with race and stereotypes. There are some teachers who single out black male students and do their best to discourage them reaching their full learning potential. I have personally had 2 teachers in that school throw homework in the trash that was handed in by my child then say that he did not do it. Their belief in stereotypes led them to believe that I didn't sit with my child when they do their homework , as if they were doing it and placing it in their folders on their own... then tried to give bad grades and reports based on that. Not to mention the conflicting attendance records and the accompanying truancy letters... I guess teaching your children their culture and knowledge of self is a threat...

Every morning I walk into my son's school, and the teachers and staff look me in the eye and say, 'Good Morning'. Their attitude says, also, that this is our school, and here we know each other, look out for each other. It is a very reassuring atmosphere!
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers, Staff and parents alike come together for that community envolvement of raising our children
—Submitted by a parent

This school does not appear to be tolerant of different learners who are out of their district. My son's a good kid who was dismissed and sent back to his local school. Then we found out what we already knew-- he's a genius. Now he's 'acing' Philly's Central High. I also know of another different learner who transferred into Henry and was also dismissed. I now tutor him and he's simply a wonderful child. What's wrong with Henry?
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter has been at Henry for 2 years and we are extremely happy with the school. Henry is more than test scores. It is a deeply involved community that includes parents, teachers, kids and alumni. At the recent Centennial Celebration, over 400 people came to celebrate this special school. We are happy to be a part of this community, but would reconsider if we thought our daughter s education was suffering. It is not. She is thriving and we couldn t be happier.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the one school,that is working toward all student being above proficient,in math writting,and reading. My daughter goes to math tutoring and it has really helped she use to be afraid ti ask for help,but now she like math
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter started kindergarten this year at Henry after we did an extensive search for the right school and decided that an out-of-district transfer was best. We picked Henry after I did a walk through of the school and had a one on one with the principle. I will say I still have some concerns about ratio. Other than that we're happy. we've decided to expect the worst and hope for the best. It gives us hope that all the parents we talked to love it.
—Submitted by Holly, a parent

The quality of the academic programs offered are good for children that are on grade level. The children who are below grade level or struggling with the work, do not have many resources to aid them in reaching grade level standards. Organized sports are needed. Parent participation
—Submitted by LESA, a parent

Our 2nd grader has been at Henry since Kindergarten. His teachers have pro-actively ID'd his needs, along with classmates at both the high and low end of the academic scale, and have provided in-class and out-of-class supports for each student. Teacher and Principal response to our concerns and interests has been quick and effective. They always make time for us, whether for a formal meeting or quick, informal update. We're part of a great school community, with active parents/families, district commitment to success, and a building full of great kids! One parent worked with the music teacher to secure a 3-year $150,000 music grant. Another parent sponsors class field trips. Another is a driving force in the city-wide science fair & brings energy to the Henry science fair. Many alumni - both parents and teachers - moved back to Mt. Airy to send their kids to Henry. More at: http://knowinghenry.blogspot.com.
—Submitted by Kevin Peter, a parent

The Charles W. Henry School is well-known in the Philadelphia District as an activist school in an activist neighborhood. The level of parent involvement is above average and the impact that those volunteers have is very high. Parents work together in concert with the administration and faculty to strengthen existing programs and bring in new programs. When problems and challenges arise the parents work well together to address them. Henry has an active music program which includes general music as well as intrumental and choral music opportunities. It also has an active art program. There are several student concerts presented each year as well as a play or musical. Henry has a basketball and track team. Henry scores well on the PSSA and TerraNova tests and has a very commited faculty which reflects many years of experience. Beginning in 2006 it will feature the Spring Board program by the College Board.
—Submitted by Greg Moore, a parent

Henry is a great school. They cater to every student regardless if they are a straight A or if they are struggling. The parent association is the best I have seen in years.
—Submitted by a parent